Filmmaking has always been both an art and a science, but the tools available in service of both have never been so full of possibility. Today, there is seemingly no limit to what might unfurl from a director's imagination. In this opening series of articles and videos, Vanity Fair, in partnership with Rolex, sits down with directors at the height of their careers as they reflect on what it means to make films today—pushing the art form forward while honoring its legacy, craft and enduring spirit of humanity. —Mark Guiducci, Vanity Fair Global Editorial Director
HOLLYWOOD
How Dominic Sessa Became Anthony Bourdain
The Holdovers standout learned to shuck oysters and navigate the chaos of a restaurant kitchen to play a young Bourdain in the new film Tony. The actor speaks with VF about finding the man before the legend.
exclusive
Pedro Pascal on His First Leading Film Role in Behemoth!
“Being in a gladiator arena or hanging from a harness—that stuff pales in comparison to learning how to play the cello and making it look convincing as you’re doing Tchaikovsky,” Pascal tells Vanity Fair about portraying a prolific cellist.
Movies
Sadie Sink Finally Speaks About Her Top Secret Spider-Man Character
As revealed in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the Stranger Things star will be a key part of the Marvel cinematic universe moving forward.
film
The Girl Scouts in Meghan Markle’s New Doc Have a Message for Politicians
The latest project from Meghan and Prince Harry’s Archewell Productions follows Girl Scouts through a “cutthroat” cookie-selling season with broader implications about diverse leadership.
movies
Tony: What’s Fact and What’s Fiction in the Anthony Bourdain Origin Story
The movie stars Dominic Sessa as a 19-year-old Bourdain—“spoiled, miserable, narcissistic, self-destructive, and thoughtless,” in the writer’s own words—decades before he became a celebrated memoirist and TV host. But just how much of Tony is true?
Season 3
WHAT IS CINEMA?Jafar Panahi Explains How He Risked Everything to Create It Was Just an Accident
In the next installment of Vanity Fair’s What Is Cinema? series, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi reflects on the misfortunes that almost ruined his movie—and his career.
Vanity Fair in Partnership with RolexDaniel Battsek Talks the Enduring Legacy of Cinema
Film at Lincoln Center and Rolex are together championing the field and highlighting the stars of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
WHAT IS CINEMA?Joachim Trier Explains How the Idea of Homecoming Drives Sentimental Value
In the next installment of Vanity Fair’s What Is Cinema? series, Sentimental Value director Joachim Trier returns to the Oslo home at the center of his film.
Vanity Fair in Partnership with RolexCelebrating Cinema, One New York Film Festival At A Time
NYFF's artistic director Dennis Lim discusses new films, emerging voices and the festival’s evolving mission.
What Is Cinema?Jon M. Chu Explains How Seeing the Original Wicked Informed His Films
In the next installment of Vanity Fair’s What Is Cinema? series, Wicked: For Good director Jon M. Chu returns to the San Francisco theatre where the Broadway musical had its world premiere.
Season 2
What Is Cinema?Furiosa Can Teach Us How to Survive the Apocalypse—Just Ask George Miller
In Vanity Fair’s What Is Cinema? series, the Oscar-winning filmmaker breaks down his inspirations for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
VANITY FAIR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ROLEXInside The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures With Director and President Amy Homma
The Academy Museum’s director and president talks about celebrating all aspects of filmmaking, bringing new people to the silver screen, and the value of an enduring partnership with Rolex.
What Is Cinema?Richard Linklater Explains How He Turned True Crime Into Screwball Comedy
In the next installment of Vanity Fair’s What Is Cinema? series, director Richard Linklater breaks down his inspirations for Hit Man.
VANITY FAIR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ROLEXHow the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Looks Forward by Looking Back
Academy president Janet Yang talks about diversifying membership, inspiring initiatives, and the essential value of authentic partnerships.
What Is Cinema?Lee Isaac Chung’s Childhood Trauma Drew Him to Twisters
In the next installment of Vanity Fair’s What Is Cinema? series, director Lee Isaac Chung breaks down his inspirations for Twisters.
VANITY FAIR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ROLEXAgustina San Martín and Janicza Bravo Step Into Their Own, Together
The two filmmakers discuss building sustainable careers, encouraging each other, learning from the past, and what they can teach the next generation in the latest installment of What Is Cinema?, a series in partnership with Rolex.
a wonderful night for oscarEvery Academy Award for Best Actor: A Complete History of the Winners
Learn more about every best-actor Oscar winner over the last 95 years, from 1929 to today.
Season 1
What Is Cinema?Rian Johnson and the Daniels on the Film Rules They Love to Follow—And Break
In Vanity Fair’s series What Is Cinema?, the directors of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and Everything Everywhere All at Once talk craft.
VANITY FAIR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ROLEXRolex Supports the Transmission of Knowledge to Future Generations of Filmmakers Through Its Mentoring Program
For more than half a century, Rolex has partnered with some of the world’s most talented artists and leading cultural institutions to celebrate excellence and contribute to perpetuating artistic heritage, creating a link between the past, present and future.
What Is Cinema?Sarah Polley and Ruben Östlund on Juggling Acting Ensembles and Pushing Their Audiences
In Vanity Fair’s series What Is Cinema?, the Oscar-nominated writer-directors behind Women Talking and Triangle of Sadness reveal their biggest challenges.
VANITY FAIR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ROLEXRolex and Cinema: A Long-Term Partnership in Excellence
While the relationship between Rolex and film dates back decades—see Rolex watches appearing on the wrists of actors in films such as Network, Apollo 13, The Usual Suspects, and many more—the pairing reached new heights in 2017.
What Is Cinema?Directors Gina Prince-Bythewood and Halle Berry on Their “Very Small Sisterhood”
To kick off Vanity Fair’s new series, What Is Cinema?, the directors of The Woman King and Bruised connect on the “had-to-do” stories they brought to the screen.
DREAM WEAVERChloé Zhao Talks Hamnet, Reviving Buffy, and Navigating Hollywood as a “Deeply Neurodivergent” Director
Nearly five years ago Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland broke ground and swept awards season. Now the director is ready to do it again with Hamnet, a devastating portrayal of love and loss, infused with Zhao’s own grief and hope.
37 HOURS IN HOLLYWOODHow James Cameron Convinced Leonardo DiCaprio to Make Titanic
And more stories from Cameron’s career, as captured in a definitive, hour-long Vanity Fair interview.
37 HOURS IN HOLLYWOODOn the Set of Star Wars: Starfighter, Shawn Levy’s Inner Child Is “Losing His Mind”
The Stranger Things producer and Deadpool & Wolverine director still can’t quite believe he got tapped to make a new Star Wars movie, starring Ryan Gosling.
What Is Cinema?How 4 Directors Found a Way to Go Home Again
New movies from Steven Spielberg, James Gray, Joanna Hogg, and Alejandro González Iñárritu ask tough questions about their own pasts—and remind us of cinema’s power as a medium for memories.- Little Gold Men
Richard Linklater Doesn’t Believe In Hit Men, but He Does Believe In Patience
“I’m not afraid to sit with something and just wait until the time is right,” the writer-director says of the yearslong process of making Hit Man and two of his upcoming projects.
Now Streaming
The 25 Best Movies on Netflix to Watch in September 2026
From comedy classics to recent Oscar winners, these are the titles you don’t want to miss.
Exclusive
First Look: Helen Mirren Captures the Difficult Genius of Patricia Highsmith in A Talent for Murder
Before its TIFF premiere, Mirren opens up about embodying literature’s most uncompromising misanthrope in Anton Corbijn’s new film.
movies
60 New Movies We Can’t Wait to See This Fall
Featuring everyone from Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt to Zendaya and Mikey Madison.
Exclusive
First Look: Danny Boyle Didn’t Want to Make Rupert Murdoch a Villain in Ink
The Venice Film Festival opening movie stars Guy Pearce as the media mogul, who recruits an editor to revamp The Sun in 1969 and changes the course of media forever.
HOLLYWOOD
Maddie’s Secret? She’s a Viral Sensation
Vanity Fair chats with Maddie’s Secret writer, star, and director John Early about the indie film’s VOD release, the enduring influence of Showgirls, and the second wind his film has received thanks to a viral GIF.
HOLLYWOOD
The Odyssey’s Himesh Patel Would Follow Matt Damon Into War
A month after Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey hit theaters, audiences have had time to sit with and reflect on the enormity of the experience. So has Patel, who has deep thoughts to share about leadership, fate, the concept of the righteous victory—and starring in the pilot for Ryan Coogler’s X-Files reboot.
Movies
Director Gregg Araki Doesn’t Think You’re Having Enough Sex
The indie cinema icon’s first film in 12 years explores Gen Z vs. millennial desire and stars Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman, and Charli xcx.
magnum opus
An Honest Attempt to Understand One Night Only
Why are single people only allowed to have sex once each year? How on earth is that rule enforced? Is third base permitted? Pull up a chair—and get ready for a deep dive.
FIT CHECK
The Thomas Crown Affair Is One of the Most Stylish ’90s Movies—Can Michael B. Jordan’s Remake Match That Energy?
In the ’90s, Rene Russo wore fresh-off-the-runway fashion by Celine’s Michael Kors, who was then a budding star. Can Jordan’s remake pull off the same style coup?
Forever 21
Tom Holland Is King of the Summer Box Office. Now It’s Time for Him to Grow Up.
With The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the 30-year-old actor is poised to be king of the box office this summer for playing two childish roles. We think it’s time for the actor to hang up the tights.
Movies
Exclusive First Look: Dakota Johnson and Ellen Burstyn Play Marilyn Monroe
Maggie Gyllenhaal wrote and directed the short film Flesh Impact, which is timed to Monroe’s 100th birthday and will play at the Venice Film Festival.
Hollywood
The Odyssey Stuntman Simone Moncada On Training to Steer Odysseus's Ship and Sharing a Scene With Zendaya
Simone “Sinck” Moncada spoke with VF Italy about what it means to be a professional stunt performer—and shared the details of his experience on the set of epic blockbuster The Odyssey.
Awards
Can The Odyssey Outdo Oppenheimer at the Oscars? A Case for Success.
Christopher Nolan’s star-studded adaptation could eclipse Oppenheimer’s haul of 13 nominations and seven Oscars.
Movies
Samantha Morton Says Making The Odyssey Was a “Religious” Experience
The two-time Oscar nominee reveals the magic behind her scene-stealing Circe sequence, how grounded Zendaya is, and a take that made Christopher Nolan’s crew burst into applause.
Hollywood
The Odyssey’s Epic Box Office Haul Breaks The “Go Woke, Go Broke” Myth
Christopher Nolan’s film made over $264 million this weekend, once again proving flops like Ghostbusters and The Little Mermaid weren’t due to politics—and people will pay for a great yarn.
all greek to me
How Christopher Nolan Updates The Odyssey
The filmmaker takes a bit of poetic license with Homer’s epic. Here’s a tour through the movie’s most notable changes from the source material, with bonus commentary from famed classicist Emily Wilson.
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commentary
Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey Is Going to Drive the Right Wing Completely Insane
The Oscar winner’s latest is a Trojan horse of a film: a rip-roaring blockbuster secretly carrying a sober meditation on civility and intolerance. And Elon Musk is going to despise it.
MOVIES
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey: Everything to Know About the $250 Million Blockbuster Filmed Almost Entirely Without Digital Effects
The cinematic adaptation of Odysseus’s decade-long journey home to Ithaca boasts a superstar cast including Matt Damon, Zendaya, and even Travis Scott as a bard at the court of the Phaeacians. Here’s everything you need to know before heading to the theater on July 17.
Family
Anne Hathaway Hopes Her Children Grow Up to Be Like Tom Holland
In Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Hathaway plays the mother of Holland’s Telemachus. She sees some parallels to her real-life motherhood.
Exclusive
First Look: Lin-Manuel Miranda Explores Incels, Porn Addiction, and Cancel Culture in Octet
And naturally, it’s a musical. In his first interview about his second film, the three-time Tony winner opens up about adapting a tricky cult favorite—and casting stars like Rachel Zegler, Amanda Seyfried, and Jonathan Groff.
america 250
I Was the President: Bryan Cranston, Kiefer Sutherland, and 5 Other Stars Tell VF About Playing POTUS
As America turns 250, actors who’ve played presidents—real and fictional, past and future, across stage and screen—share lessons learned and beliefs challenged.
GOING OFFLINE
Jeremy Allen White Didn't Need The Social Reckoning To Feel Uncomfortable With Social Media
The actor stars in the upcoming followup to The Social Network, and said in a new interview that he tries to keep his life, and those of his young daughters, as analog as possible.
the truth is out there
Experts on Extraterrestrial Life Say Steven Spielberg Understands “Core Concepts of What We Know”
But the reviews for Disclosure Day among the experts on UAP—unidentified aerial phenomena—are decidedly mixed.
HOLLYWOOD
Hayley Kiyoko On Turning “Girls Like Girls” Into a Feature Film
A decade after her “Girls Like Girls” music video broke the queer internet, former Disney Channel star Kiyoko is recreating her coming-of-age love story for the next generation.
First Look
Exclusive: Taika Waititi on Klara and the Sun, His Most Dramatic Movie Yet
Jenna Ortega reveals her brighter side as a solar-powered android, opposite Amy Adams, in this adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel.
Little Gold Men
Who Might Be the Next Steven Spielberg?
Disclosure Day reminds us of the legend’s unique ability to create sci-fi epics that explore humanity with a sense of earnestness that feels both from another time and desperately needed today.
exclusive
The Filmmakers Bringing Val Kilmer Back to Life—and Stoking Anxiety About AI ‘Ghostploitation’—Explain Themselves
The creatives behind As Deep as the Grave—and Kilmer’s daughter—say the late actor would be happy for his likeness to “star” in this independent film. But others warn that projects like this could be setting a disturbing precedent.
in conversation
Inside the Killer Wardrobe of Obsession With Costume Designer Blair James
The stylist behind 2026’s biggest indie horror hit on dressing Nikki’s slow unraveling, Bear’s brown knits, and the retail trick that helped her stretch a $6,000 budget.
AI
The First Fully AI Movie to Screen at a Festival Has Nearly Glitch-Free Tribeca Debut
It took only $2,000, less than two months, and two Iranian brothers to make a resistance film that may ruffle feathers. “The disruption AI is going to cause is obviously something that is not easy to digest,” says producer Tom Rogers.
cultural appreciation
How Jennifer Lopez Is Using Romantic Comedy to Reclaim Her Narrative
The reason we root for J.Lo in movies is the reason we root for J.Lo in real life, a metanarrative that’s made her one of modern rom-com’s most effective stars.
what is cinema?
Filmmaker Jon Favreau Shares Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of Iron Man, Elf, and Star Wars
The visionary director breaks down all 10 of his directorial efforts—and reflects on making a seminal Christmas film in post-9/11 New York.
in conversation
How Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro Built the Tribeca Festival
On the fest’s 25th anniversary, De Niro’s longtime partner speaks about Tribeca’s post-9/11 origins, its expansion over the decades, and the time Hugh Grant had to give a speech there after Nelson Mandela.
what is cinema?
Keke Palmer Says She Gets Recognized Most for Viral “Sorry to This Man” Meme
The I Love Boosters star reflects on major career moments, including Hustlers, Nope, and her unforgettable appearance on Vanity Fair’s lie detector test.
ENTERTAINMENT
How Kane Parsons Brought the Backrooms Meme to the Silver Screen
Parsons’s viral videos landed him a directing gig with A24 at just 19 years old. He talks to VF about how he built one of the internet’s favorite myths into a feature film.
CANNES 2026
Steven Soderbergh Defends Using AI in John Lennon Documentary: “I’m a Believer in Exploration”
His new film, John Lennon: The Last Interview, uses archival photos and AI-generated videos as visuals to go along with a revealing radio interview that Lennon and Yoko Ono did on the day of his death.
CANNES
An Abridged History of How the Hotel du Cap Became the Glamorous Power Center of Cannes
The biggest names in the film industry are all probably staying in one place.
casting call
James Bond Auditions Are Officially Underway, and These Actors May Be at the Top of the List
After years of speculation and an unending well of rumors, casting director Nina Gold has finally begun testing candidates to replace Daniel Craig as the next 007. Here’s who oddsmakers think might make the cut.
CANNES 2026
Miles Teller Had Imposter Syndrome While Playing a Dad in Paper Tiger
The actor, who stars in the new James Gray movie that debuted at the festival, also shares an update on the Michael sequel.
MET GALA 2026
Exclusive: Camila Morrone Raced from the Age of Innocence Set to Channel Grace Kelly at the Met Gala
Morrone stepped out of her Edith Wharton filming mode and into Tory Burch, declaring she has been "corset trained" on set.
MET GALA 2026
Exclusive: Amanda Seyfried, Prepping for the Carpet, Says Met Gala 2026 Is “a Free-for-All in the Best Way”
“I think the dress lends itself to the gems,” Seyfried, who wore Tiffany & Co. jewelry and a Prada gown, told Vanity Fair hours before hitting the carpet. “I’m not gonna say too much, but it has pockets and you can’t see them!”
Little Gold Men
The Devil Wears Prada 2 Screenwriter on Why She Never Gave Up on a Sequel
Screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna dishes on being “scared to death” of Meryl Streep, booking Lady Gaga, and capturing the state of magazine journalism today in the long-awaited sequel.
WHAT IS CINEMA?
Meryl Streep on “Beef” With Goldie Hawn, Robert Redford Love Scenes, and What Her Grandchildren Call Her
“I don’t probably give as many fucks as I used to,” Streep laughs while sharing stories from across her films with Redford, Hawn, and Emily Blunt.
Little Gold Men
Charting the Limitless Allure of Zendaya, From Disney Youth to A-List Movie Star
The Little Gold Men team looks at the actor’s big year ahead, and breaks down how she became an A-list star and red-carpet It girl.
family ties
Janet Jackson Doesn’t Even Exist in Michael. Is This the Real Reason Why?
Michael Jackson’s most famous sibling opted out of his biopic—but her rationale may have more to do with two of her surviving brothers than her relationship with the late King of Pop.
Exclusive
How Paramount’s Star-Studded Mini Movie Came Together in Just 7 Weeks
With a lot to prove, the studio enlisted Jon M. Chu to film a top-secret reel featuring Tom Cruise atop the water tower, plus a slew of other A-list talent.
Rebooting
Why Some in Hollywood Say Ben Affleck's AI Is "Worth the $600 Million" Aside from the AI
Call it a glide path, or a slippery slope, but all the celebrities copping to their AI interests is changing the mood in Hollywood.
now streaming
New on Netflix: July 2026’s Best New Movies & Shows
Next month, Netflix journeys from the American frontier to Victorian England with a reimagined Little House on the Prairie series and Enola Holmes 3, starring Millie Bobby Brown.
Remember the Time
The Michael Jackson Biopic Premiere Was a Hollywood Throwback. But the Drama Behind The Film Rages On
Michael Jackson’s son Prince and his siblings LaToya, Jackie, and Jermaine attended the glitzy premiere for the biopic, which features a breakout performance by his nephew Jaafar.
Intimate Audrey
How Audrey Hepburn’s Son Became Her Only Official Biographer
Vanity Fair spoke with Sean Hepburn Ferrer about preserving his mother’s legacy—and navigating the difficulties of life with his father.
Style
Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson Reunited for Brunello Cucinelli—And Chatted All Night Long
The Dawson’s Creek stars caught up at Lincoln Center, where the Italian fashion giant brought out a starry crowd—as well as plates of rigatoni—for a New York screening of Brunello: The Gracious Visionary.